Partisan games will never get us a republic

The only time we republicans hear from Labor leaders is when they put their head up to criticise our initiatives.

Tanner's attack does, however, serve one useful purpose: it provides a warning for all republicans of the threat posed by those who want to use the debate over the republic for partisan advantage. As long as opportunistic politicians do so, the consensus required for a successful republican campaign will not eventuate. The ARM is having a conference in Melbourne on October 19.

Tanner is welcome to come and present constructive views about how we can further the republican cause - and to let us know what he and his Labor colleagues can do to ensure that Australians have their own head of state.

The ball is firmly in your court, Lindsay.